Pedigree Dogs Exposed

Tomorrow there is a show called "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" on WGBH. It's a documentary on the breed specific ailments, diseases and neurological disorders that have been bred (and inbred!) into dogs. It's on tomorrow at 4:30 on PBS. I watched it last week, and though there are times where I wanted to turn it off due to the pain / suffering some dogs were going through, I sat through it. I'm really glad I did. It makes you look at dogs in a whole new way.

If you can't watch it on tv, or record it for later viewing, this is the link to the documentary in it's entirety.

Pedigree Dogs Exposed Online

My opinion on the matter if form follows function, then we are breeding a good, sound dog that is going to be structurally sound for its job. However, when we start selecting for a physical trait, and exaggerating it, we are no longer breeding for a function, but for a mutant gene. As that continues through generations, the structural soundness of our dogs is compromised, and they suffer.

Breeders that breed for personality and for function instead of the show ring are doing our dogs a great service. Breeders that are inbreeding dogs to get a more desirable trait are literally breeding disease, unsound structure, neurological disorders, and dogs that look very different from the dogs of last century. One of the more eye opening discussion points in this documentary is when a photo of a Bull Terrier is displayed, and compared to a Bull Terrier from 100 years ago. They did the same for the pug (which didn't have such an exaggerated brachycephalic face), the Dachshund (which wasn't as long) and the Basset Hound.

A quick note on the pug. Those big eyes that they are now known for was not nearly as exaggerated in the pug a century ago. Their eyes are still the same size they always have been - but what is different is the depth of the eye socket. By breeding for a "pushed in face", and also for shallower eye sockets, the eyes appear much bigger. Not only can the dog not breathe (many pugs have to have surgery to correct congenital breathing issues), but many also have eyes that bulge out of the sockets, or stick out so far that they run into things eye-first. There is no shortage on 1-eyed pugs out there because of this "desirable" trait that is being selected for.

If you can't stomach the first chunk of the documentary (it is graphic), then fast forward to the part where they show the different skulls, and the photos of dogs then and now. It's absolutely eye opening.

"Inside of a Dog"

A great interview with Cognitive Psychologist, Alexandra Horowitz regarding the differences between humans and dogs. Part 1 of the ABC interview is here.

She talks about the differences in eyes, vision, long/short nosed breeds, hearing, and smells.

It's a great 8 minute interview that covers a lot of scientific ground, in a digestible manner. Enjoy!

NECN - The Secret Life Of Animals : Glow In The Dark

I was invited last Wednesday to showcase some glow-in-the-dark products for dog owners. Click Here for Segment. We went over glowing leashes, collars, light ball collar piece, Frisbee and light up rubber ball. All products are safe, but should always be used with supervision. Also, the ball fits nicely in a Chuck-it.

It's always a pleasure to go out to work with the crew at The Secret Life Of Animals - they are so much fun and are dedicated to showing the more interesting sides of animal life. Watch The Secret Life of Animals, Sundays at 11:30 am & 6:30 pm on NECN.

Part II of the Frisbee Segment: How to teach your pup Frisbee

Here is the second part of the NECN segment. Thanks Cooper for being a great sport!

Mutts On The View!

There are many shows dedicated to the love of the purebred dog. However, for all those fans of the mixed breed, mutt-dogs in the country, ABC's "The View" is hosting their first ever Mutt Dog Show this morning at 11am.

This show, I'm guessing, will have to do with a parade of mixed breed, shelter dogs, and discuss everything mixed-breed.

Here is the View's website, and I'll see if I can post a video a bit later...

New Show

There is a new show that I just discovered this morning. It's called "Dogtown" and it's on the National Geographic Channel.

Click Here for website

It's an interesting show documenting the lives of homeless dogs that have been given up on by everyone- except the vets and trainers of Dogtown. They have the adoptable puppy neighborhood, the aggressive dog neighborhood, the shy dog 'hood, etc. Most of these dogs have been given up because of medical issues the owners couldn't afford or deal with, aggression beyond trainability, or have been found on the streets/dumpster/backyard. These vets, trainers and care givers dedicate their lives to finding homes for these "mis-fit" dogs.

The show I watched today made me tear up- and they give updates about each of the showcased dogs at the end of each episode. It's really quite wonderful.

Tune in to Dogtown. You'll learn a lot about health, training and it will make you feel something for these dogs. In a way, it reminded me of the Land Of Misfit Toys from Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

It made me want to dedicate part of the spring or summer out there. I don't know- perhaps I can convince the boy to watch the animals for a week in the spring while I go play in the desert :)